This lot consists of an unframed oil painting on stretched canvas, rendered in the abstract Cubism style of Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973). A hand-painted inscription at top of composition reads, "Picasso", with a painted date, "18.4.32", painted vertically at right. This dynamic image depicts a collage of organic shape that joins to form a woman's fractured visage. Mysterious and deeply powerful, this piece is an echo of the abstract expressionism for which Picasso is so well known. A handsome highlight to any modern art collector's gallery. Overall measurements are approximately 12" x 8".

This charming canvas, stretched on its original frame, features an aged paper label affixed to the frame its reverse side, as well as a hand-painted inscription: "Espana. 1932". Label reads, "Pablo Picasso. 1881 1973." An illegible stamp overlays the edge of the paper label, covered with graphite initials and the date "1932".

Best known for his ever evolving style, Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973) produced a huge body of work which spanned most of the 20th century. He explored many mediums, from oil painting and ceramics to pastel and silkscreen. Picasso led a fascinating, tempestuous life. At the age of seven, Picasso's father began to provide the boy with formal art training. Picasso's career took wing in Barcelona and Paris, where he lived in poverty and was even forced to burn his paintings for heat.

Eventually, Picasso came to dominate the European art world, and would gravitate toward the tropical coasts of the French Riviera. It was here that he lived and worked for many years. The figures in his earliest work were classical and rather academic; later portraiture became increasingly abstract, often with jumbled facial features and inventive colors.

Pablo Picasso was a leader of the early Analytic Cubism school, which took on new form with the Synthetic Cubism movement (also spearheaded by Picasso). Though his personal life was riddled with upheaval and controversy, Picasso the artist was remarkably uninhibited and prolific. He was a free-roaming explorer of art in all its styles and forms.

PROVENANCE:
Private Collection

DIMENSIONS:
Overall approx. 12" x 8".

Finger Lakes Estate and Auction Company has been commissioned to liquidate several private collections of fine art. The pieces in this auction came from established collectors both in the United States and Europe.

Lots that do not carry established documented provenance nor any past auction record are described in the catalog as "in the style of". Authentication has not been established nor is it implied. Definition of "in the style of" is as follows:

In the style of [Artist Name]: The work may be ascribed to the artist on the basis of style, but there may be some question as to actual authorship.

Please use photos as part of the description. The absence of condition report does not guarantee excellent condition. Please contact us for an in-hand evaluation or for additional photos.

Overall good condition. Minimal discoloration has occurred with time. Colors remain crisp and bold. Frame remains structurally sound. Please examine photos for further reference.